Southern California -- this just in

Cali Swag District urges public's help in police investigation of M-Bone killing

May 17, 2011 | 7:53
am

Fans and fellow hip-hop performers offered tributes to slain Cali Swag District member Montae "M-Bone" Talbert as Inglewood police continued to search for his killer.

Cali Swag District released a statement to MTV News urging people who know something about the circumstances of the shooting to come forward and help police. "As police are still investigating the shooting and untimely death we ask that anyone with information contact the Inglewood Police Department," the group said.

On Monday evening, about 200 family members, friends and fans gathered for a vigil in front of the liquor store where Talbert was slain. While a crowd stood on the sidewalk, two women danced to the group's trademark "Teach Me How to Dougie."

Police said they don't have a suspect or motive in the case. Talbert was shot twice in the head Sunday night when he stopped at a liquor store after leaving a recording studio in the 400 block of North La Brea Avenue.

The group's publicist Greg Miller told The Times it appears to be a random act of violence. Big Wy, a group member, said the Cali Swag District had no gang affiliations.

"People got to understand that this was a random thing," he told KABC-TV Channel 7. "You know, I mean these guys are not affiliated with gangs, have nothing to do with them.''

Miller issued a statement on behalf of Talbert's family, praising him as an "inspiration to his family, friends and fans" and an artist whose talents will be missed. "He was a hardworking, passionate artist and dancer that will be deeply missed," the statement said.

Several other artists expressed sadness over the slaying, including Jayceon Terrell Taylor, aka "The Game."

"Can I get a moment of silence for the lil homie M-Bone R.I.P. from Cali Swag District. A kid Gunned down in the streets of Los Angeles," Taylor tweeted.